Ink! Coffee: Smooth, flavorful and strong… Just the way we like our coffee. Ink definitely has one of the best cups of joe in Aspen, and their baristas are knowledgeable and friendly. It’s connected to the bike shop, in case you get confused! (@inkcoffee)
So Cafe: Perched on the roof of the Aspen Art Museum, you can’t beat the views or the ambiance at So Cafe! It’s the perfect spot to bring your laptop and get some work done, but keep in mind that they don’t open until 10am most days. (@aspenartmuseum)
Victoria + Co: We ended coming here twice on our most recent trip to Aspen, simply because their flat whites were SO good! Their pastries looked delicious too! (@victoriasespresso)
Breakfast
Element 47: Located in the posh Little Nell Hotel, their breakfast is a splurge - but (in our opinion) it’s the best in Aspen! It’s a cozy, sophisticated atmosphere with incredible service and fresh, high-quality cuisine. Even their muffins are mouthwatering-ly good! (Element 47 on Instagram)
Bobby’s pick: Wagyu Enchiladas
Alli’s pick: Almond Brioche French Toast
Prospect: Nestled inside the iconic Hotel Jerome, this breakfast/brunch spot is also a splurge - but what isn’t when you’re in Aspen? They serve everything from fresh smoothies to Huevos Rancheros and Stuffed French Toast. And it’s all incredibly delicious and beautifully presented. (Prospect on Instagram)
Bobby’s pick: Jerome Breakfast
Alli’s pick: Breakfast Tacos
Poppycock’s: This family-run cafe has been an Aspen favorite for nearly 40 years - take one bite of their Oatmeal Buttermilk Pancakes and you’ll quickly understand why! Their breakfast menu is hearty and extensive (and more affordable than others in the area), and they serve it all day! (Poppycock’s on Instagram)
Bobby’s pick: Old Fashioned Oatmeal Pancakes
Alli’s pick: Avocado Eggs
Lunch/Dinner
AJAX Tavern: Right at the base of Aspen Mountain, AJAX is a hub for casual (and delicious) craft cocktails and comfort food. Someone recommended we start with their Cauliflower Gratin, and it basically changed our life. Make sure you get one (or two) for the table! (@thelittlenell)
Bobby’s pick: Steak Frites
Alli’s pick: Ajax Wagyu Double Cheeseburger
Shlomo’s: We love a good Jewish deli, and this spot does not disappoint. Start with an order of their tasty Potato Latkes or homemade Matzah Ball Soup, and don’t leave without a slice of their New York Cheesecake. Hey, you’re on Vacation - YOLO! (@shlomosaspen)
Bobby’s pick: The Mafia
Alli’s pick: The Rachel
La Creperie du Village: This cozy little Alpine Bistro is what dreams are made of. The quaint, candlelit decor is simply magical - and then the FOOD! Share a salad and the Raclette, then end with a Nutella Crepe. We can’t think of a dreamier night in Aspen than this! (La Creperie du Village on Instagram)
Meat & Cheese: Charcuterie boards for dinner? Sign us up! Everything at this open and modern restaurant is locally sourced and of the highest quality. They serve everything from a traditional meat and cheese board to a biscuit board - how fun is that?! (@meatandcheeseaspen)
White House Tavern: We’ve never met a Hillstone restaurant we didn’t love, and this one is no exception. From their famous French Dip to the drool-worthy Crispy Chicken Sandwich, it’s laid-back comfort food at its finest. (Alli’s currently trying to recreate their amazing Kale Salad!) (@whitehousetavern)
Bobby’s pick: Crispy Chicken Sandwich
Alli’s pick: Kale Salad with Rotisserie Chicken
Marble Bar Aspen: This brand new Bar and tasting room is a hidden gem - right in the heart of Aspen. It’s hip and sophisticated, with friendly and knowledgeable mixologists that craft some of the best cocktails in town. Don’t leave without trying their Gingercello! (@marblebaraspen)
The Bar at Element 47: We’ve already mentioned this restaurant for breakfast, but we’d be remiss if we didn’t bring it up here too. If you’re a wine lover like we are, you’re in the right place. They’re famous for having a 20,000-bottle wine cellar and some of the best sommeliers in the world! (Element 47 on Instagram)
Hooch: Located in the basement of Meat and Cheese, Hooch is Aspen’s take on a speakeasy. It’s cool and trendy and serves some delicious craft cocktails. It’s a romantic and cozy spot to enjoy a few drinks - especially in the winter season! (@hoochaspen)
Cloud 9: Book the 2pm reservation for a legendary champagne-filled, top-of-the-mountain experience you’ll never forget. It’s pricey, and you may get Veuve in your hair, but the memories (and people watching) are priceless. (Cloud 9 on Instagram)
Escobar: This dance club/bar isn’t the typical experience we’d feature in our guides, but it’s designed to feel like you’re in an airplane. And we think that’s cool. Come for the dancing and the top-40 hits - the drinks are just ok! (@escobaraspen)
Limelight Hotel: If you’ve been following us for awhile, you know we love the Limelight. We’ve stayed at their Sun Valley hotel, and their Aspen property is just as beautiful and welcoming. You can’t beat the location, the amenities, and the spacious rooms. Plus, they’re extremely dog friendly - which is important to us! (@limelighthotel)
The Little Nell: If you are able to splurge on a night or two, stay at The Little Nell. It’s Aspen’s only 5-star, 5-diamond hotel, and has ski-in, ski-out access to Aspen Mountain. From the attentive staff, to the luxurious rooms, the world class cuisine and meticulous design, it’s unlike anywhere we’ve ever stayed. Even our pup Sally was treated like a queen (they LOVE dogs)! (@thelittlenell)
We’ve yet to experience Aspen in the warmer months, so our activities are winter-focused. ;) If you’re looking for summer activities, this has some great ideas.
Ski/Snowboard: You’re probably thinking, “DUH!” Well, we couldn’t not say it. Aspen is one of the best skiing/snowboarding destinations we’ve been to yet. The first, and most important thing, is the crowd factor. It is non-existent. There were never any lines for the lifts, and most of the time Bobby was snowboarding relatively alone. Next, the mountains are HUGE. There are four mountains: Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass. The scenery is stunning, the runs are incredible, and in 4 days Bobby barely carved the surface (hehe). (@aspensnowmass)
Aspen Art Museum: This museum isn’t huge, but it’s worth a visit to see the architecture alone - and it’s free! The art is contemporary and innovative, and some of our favorite exhibits were interactive. Head to their rooftop for killer panoramic views, and grab a drink or a bite at their So Cafe! (@aspenartmuseum)
The Breathtaker: Located at the top of Snowmass, this thrill ride covers over a mile of terrain, zipping and zooming past trees at speeds of up to 28 mph! It’s crazy smooth, beautiful, and really cold. (Bundle up!)
Viceroy Snowmass Spa: Because nothing feels better on a cold winter’s day than a trip to the spa, and the Viceroy Snowmass Spa is one of the best in town. This 7,000 square-foot spa has a wide selection of holistic spa treatments, a stunning relaxation lounge, and all of the amenities that one could wish for.
YES! Aspen is incredibly dog friendly! Both The Limelight Hotel and The Little Nell welcome pups with open arms, and most restaurants have dog-friendly patios (but that can be tricky in the winter). Sally had a blast playing with other dogs at Wagner Park, and we took her on multiple walks every day. Her highlight of the trip was the dog menu at The Little Nell, where she got to try Wagyu beef!
